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By Zika Bobby
In response to the rising cases of cyberbullying and its impact on mental health, a major awareness campaign, #WordsHurtToo: Say No to Cyberbullying, has been organised to educate the public, amplify real-life experiences, and equip young people with the knowledge to navigate the digital space safely.
The project was carried out by Master’s students of the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University as part of a strategic communication initiative focused on social impact.
The campaign was launched under the hashtags #WordsHurtToo, #SayNoToCyberbullying, an awareness initiative designed to highlight the harmful effects of cyberbullying.
The campaign took to the streets to engage members of the public in open conversations about cyberbullying, encouraging individuals to share their personal experiences.
These interactions revealed the emotional, psychological, and social toll that online harassment can have on victims.
Through shared stories, videos, and messages of support, the campaign brought together both online and offline communities to collectively say no to cyberbullying and promote empathy, kindness, and accountability in digital spaces.
Building on this momentum, a Teens Conference was organised in collaboration with the Safe School Project to educate young teenagers about bullying and cyberbullying. The conference provided a safe and interactive environment where teenagers were guided on recognising bullying, understanding its consequences, and learning how to respond and seek support.
A key highlight of the conference was a session led by Dr. Fagbo Oluwabusayo Olufunmilola, a Consultant Psychiatrist, who spoke to the teenagers on the effects of cyberbullying on adolescent mental health. Her session addressed issues such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and emotional trauma, while also offering practical guidance on resilience, coping strategies, and accessing mental health support.
As part of the outreach efforts, the campaign team also visited Fazil Omar High School, Yaba, where students were sensitised on cyberbullying, its forms, and its consequences. The session encouraged students to speak up, seek help when needed, and practise responsible online behaviour.
The project was executed by the following Master’s students of the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University: Funke Awogbade, Jemimah Ugiagbe, Funmbi Oyediran, Jemimah Edwin, Deborah Bakare, Moyosoreoluwa Aladesuyi, and Aanuoluwapo Fakayode.
Together, these initiatives reinforced the message that words have power and that addressing cyberbullying requires education, empathy, and collective responsibility from individuals, communities, and institutions.
